The summer is here, and that means our favorite sports season. SWIM!
Our kiddo started swimming with our local pool three seasons ago. It feels like we’ve been doing it forever. We were super lucky and had a great friend (and experienced swim mom and former participant) to guide us through the first year. I want to share the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way so that if your kiddo starts swimming, the swim meets won’t be so daunting.
Get the goggles fitted.
During the first few meets, our swimmer had a few goggle malfunctions. We decided to go to B and B Aquatics in Des Peres to see if we could find him a new pair. Not only did the ladies there help us choose the right sizes and lenses, but they also showed us how to get the goggles tight enough for every race. It has been invaluable guidance.
Pack Sharpies.
There is a box of Sharpies in our main swim bag. All of our other bags, purses, lunch bags, and our vehicles have one.
Know the race numbers (enter the Sharpies).
The coaches will send out the race sheets. We print out copies to take with us. And as an extra step this season, I take a screenshot of our kiddo’s races, so it’s always handy. We write the race number and stroke on our kiddo’s arm. This way, he knows which numbers to listen for when they announce which races need to report to the bullpen.
The bullpen.
The kids will report here before their races. We usually see 4-5 events in the bullpen at any time. There will be one to two people present to organize the kids by race number and lane number. It becomes a well-oiled machine quickly.
Where to cheer?
Depending on the pool will determine where you can cheer. Based on our experience, at indoor pools, you will cheer from the stands. Outdoor pools, especially for the meets in Illinois, we go onto the swim deck and cheer on the sidelines. Just make sure to stay out of the line of sight of anyone holding a clipboard. Those folks are judging strokes and turns, keeping time, or are coaches.
Meets are long.
We arrive 30 minutes before warm-ups to set up our area. Here’s our quick checklist:
- Chairs
- Waterproof blankets
- Extra towels
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Hoodies/Sweat pants – it gets chilly for the kids later in the night.
- Portable fans and pop-up tents – the sun and summer heat can be brutal.
- Snacks – watermelon, bananas, grapes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, crackers
- Water/Gatorade
- Entertainment – swim meets are long, so we pack tablets, card games, drawing supplies, and books, all great boredom-busters.
- Cash – There are typically concession stands at each swim meet, but not all of them accept cards or app payments.
Don’t be scared to be a timer.
Some pools don’t have touch pads to register times, so they recruit parents, grandparents, and spectators. I volunteer to time the first half of our swim meets. I get to meet other parents, which helps me get to know folks we will see at the pool the rest of the summer. Plus, it is my favorite place to watch the meet.
Have fun!
The relationships the kids form with teammates, the bonds the parents develop, and the leadership of the coaches all create a community like none other.
We are fortunate because my husband’s job allows him to get our swimmer to practice almost every morning of our six-week season. And when my husband has a rare summer obligation, I can step in or ask for assistance from other parents. The time commitment is real, but the results at the end of the season make it all worth it.
I’m sure I missed a great tip, a must-have to pack, or other great insight. Please add to the list below!
